possible fogging from airport x-ray

Just returned from an overseas trip. Took my film (Ilford HP5) over in hand-carry , but packed most of the exposed film in my checked baggage on the return. I noticed when developing the film that the film which had been checked was much darker on the rebate and ends, and contrast was lower. I purchased a new role when in Britain, and that was in the camera and was hand carried back. It looks just fine -- the ends clear with a light purple cast and contrast is good. Just finished making contact sheets, and they demonstrate the same issues. There are no 'wavy lines' or other stripes -- just a dark, dull foggy look. Is this problem due to X-Ray, or may it be another issue?

The advice I've always heard is to NEVER put film in checked baggage-- the x-rays they use are way stronger than the stuff that goes through a carry-on. I've have film hand checked when possible (easy in the U.S., so-so in Europe). If it has to go through the carry-on machine, I've never seen any issues (with film up to ISO 800-- I think 3200 stuff you should insist on hand checking).

So, while I don't know for certain, I would guess the checked baggage x-ray was what did the damage.

I just returned from a trip requiring two runs through airport security checks. On one of them apparently some backup 'AA' cells I carry in my camera bag (as checked luggage) looked suspicious, so a second trip through the scanning machine was awarded for bad behavior.

However, no damage resulted to my film as there was no film. I waited and purchased my required film at my destination. Then I mailed it all back to myself before leaving to return home.

Problem solved.

Ken

"There is very limited audience for the arty stuff, and it is largely comprised of other arty types, most of whom have no money to spend because no one is buying their stuff either. More people bring their emotions to an image than bring their intellect. The former are the folks who have checkbooks because they are engineers, accountants, and bankers—and generally they are engineers, accountants and bankers because they are not artists."

possible fogging from airport x-ray

I'm traveling to Europe in a month or so and plan to mostly shoot my favorite, ilford delta 3200. I was going to go the hand check method but that's sometimes a pain. I'm considering buying film when I arrive, how hard is it to obtain ilford products in Paris, or Munich? Are the prices crazy?

I'm traveling to Europe in a month or so and plan to mostly shoot my favorite, ilford delta 3200. I was going to go the hand check method but that's sometimes a pain. I'm considering buying film when I arrive, how hard is it to obtain ilford products in Paris, or Munich? Are the prices crazy?